Mariners Prospect No. 7: Vinnie Catricala

Vinnie Catricala, LF/3B, Jackson Generals (AA, 24.4 years old on average in 2011)

6-2, 210 lbs, 23 years old

Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Acquired: 2009 Amateur Draft (10th Round)

ETA: Late-2012

Catricala is a prospect from Jack Zduriencik’s maiden 2009 draft, a draft that seems to be turning into one that will help to define the franchise’s farm system revival (also included Dustin Ackley, Nick Franlin, Kyle Seager, and Anthony Vasquez). Catricala came in as a guy who seemed likely to move off of third base, if only because of his size, but a guy that may hit. Hit Vinnie has. He OPS’d 1.021 last year in a split between High Desert and Jackson, and unlike the expectation of such a split, Catricala’s OPS was actually 56 points higher at Jackson. While at Jackson (276 plate appearances) he hit 11 homeruns, three triples, and 29 doubles. That’s good for a blistering .285 isolated power. Catricala certainly rode a .395 BABIP to his impressive .351/.424/.636 slash line, but according to Stat Corner he hit 24.0 percent line drives while at Jackson. The biggest wart for Catricala is that he doesn’t have a defined position. He probably isn’t the third baseman of the future, and if he’s going to DH he will probably have to do it in another town, as Jesus Montero figures to hold that position down for the next half-decade at least. Last year Catricala spent a bunch of time in the outfield, and his progression defensively will probably be his key to the majors.